Title page for ETD etd-1114102-151515

Narrative Patterns of Racism and Resistance in the Work of William Faulkner

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Department

English

Advisory Committee

Advisor Name

Title

John Lowe

Committee Chair

Carl Freedman

Committee Member

Panthea Reid

Committee Member

Rick Moreland

Committee Member

Leonard Moore

Dean's Representative

Keywords

segregation

southern literature

race

Date of Defense

2002-11-05

Availability

unrestricted

Abstract

Keeping in mind the complicated nature of race relations in the South during the segregation era, as well as the economic volatility of the time, and recognizing Faulkner's position as a white southern writer, this dissertation poses and attempts to answer a few specific questions regarding Faulkner's work. First, beginning with New Orleans Sketches and ending with Go Down, Moses, what texts seem most devoted to examining issues of race difference? Second, where in these texts does Faulkner most strikingly incorporate and then challenge racial stereotypes and cliches about the South? Third, working chronologically, how did Faulkner reconcile his position as a son of the South, with his position as a writer who felt it necessary to develop all types of characters realistically--from Jason Compson to Rider, from Thomas Sutpen to Mollie Beauchamp? And finally, as readers, what insights can Faulkner reveal to us about the interpersonal relationships of his characters, characters drawn heavily from the segregation era of the South? What did he want readers to see?

Because most of his novels are set in the same Oxford-inspired Yoknapatawpha county, it is not surprising that certain characters appear again and again in his work. Likewise, Faulkner also revisits similar themes and repeats certain narrative patterns. Juxtaposing a character "type" with other characters or "community," Faulkner is able to create real possibilities for exploring human nature. Repeating broad narrative patterns allows Faulkner to reveal particular intricacies of social hierarchies and to expose the origins of oppressive actions by individuals and masses. The repetition allows Faulkner to emphasize the existence of unspoken cultural norms that empower some while oppressing others. One such repeated theme shows a white middle-class moderate choosing to turn away from injustice, choosing complicity with other white characters rather than action on behalf of a black or mixed-race character who suffers and sometimes dies unfairly. If Faulkner had portrayed only one such character, the importance might be lost to readers. Because Faulkner creates several characters choosing to turn away from injustice, avid readers of Faulkner must pause to consider the significance of this repeated behavior.